Ancient Egyptian civilization is studied in detail in schools, it inspires many writers and directors, carries scientists with its head, surprises and amazes with its greatness, the scope of scientific and cultural achievements. Each person has his own associations associated with Egypt of the past millennia - these are the pharaohs and cuneiform writing, magnificent buildings, statues, pyramids. But some amazing facts related to this civilization, its formation and development, are not known to everyone.
The civilization of Ancient Egypt is actively studied by archaeologists and historians around the world, it provides rich soil for research, writing scientific papers. It is worth at least briefly familiarizing yourself with the facts that emphasize the uniqueness of this topic.
Why is Ancient Egypt called Ancient?
Egyptian civilization is truly one of the oldest in the world. It numbers about 8 millennia, and throughout the main part of its history Egypt remained a powerful power, successfully competing with neighboring states. The first settlements on this territory appeared due to the fact that people always wanted to settle near the water. The Nile, with its seasonal spills, formed fertile soil, which was successfully cultivated and yielded rich crops. Knowing this feature of the river, which made the desert lands fertile, the ancient Egyptians literally worshiped it.
Interesting fact: there is a proven opinion that at the dawn of mankind, the Sahara desert was a fertile plain on which to hunt, gather, and collect. But climate change led to the gradual drying out of these territories, to desertification, and people had to migrate to the Nile.
What is important to know about Ancient Egypt?
Sages and scientists have long been revered in this country; here they studied astronomy, medicine, and a host of other sciences. Local residents also had complex religious beliefs, they carefully prepared for the afterlife. During the life of the pharaohs, huge tombs were built - pyramids, they were erected on the west bank of the Nile. The West was the side associated with death.
Many of the tombs were looted, but the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun was completely preserved, and thousands of unique things were found in it that were supposed to be taken to the afterlife. But this is far from all the interesting information that can be told about Egypt. Other interesting points should also be noted:
- The Egyptians, especially the noble ones, did not wear hair. They shaved their heads to protect themselves from insects and discomfort in hot climates, and wore wigs. Commoners braided their hair, they had no right to shave them, since the hairstyle in many respects spoke about the status of a person;
- From the Egyptians came the tradition of wearing engagement rings on the ring fingers. It was believed that blood from this finger goes directly to the heart;
- In ancient Egypt, effective medicines were created.And here they also made cosmetics, which initially had a completely non-decorative function. It was used by women and men to protect themselves from the sun, and only then she went into traditional life. Cosmetics began to be revered to such an extent that it even adorned images of sacred animals;
- Speaking about medicines, it is necessary to mention that Egypt knew antibiotics - though not in the form in which they appeared in the 20th century. Priests and doctors used moldy products to treat patients;
- The pyramids were not built by slaves at all. Judging by the latest discoveries of scientists who conducted excavations at construction sites and in “working towns”, ordinary people built a miracle of the world who received a salary for their work. They were treated and provided, and they themselves were proud of their craft;
- The Sphinx is a sculpture adjacent to the pyramids, and it is considered the oldest such monument of architecture, which could survive to the present. However, the Sphinx does not have a nose - it was no longer on the images of 1737.
Ancient Egyptian civilization is unique and distinctive, and far from all of its secrets have been revealed. But even those grains that have become known today are amazing.
